Being mainly a Blues man, naturally most of the Album's (yes I call them Albums and always will), I get to review, are either straight Blues or Blues Rock. Occasionally though, I do get an Album that either blurs the lines of the before mentioned Genres, or is simply what I like to call Not Necessarily The Blues. SandyBone & The Breakdown "Down The Line" is such an Album and is really more Country/Roots/Rockabilly in nature, but don't let that scare you away, because "Down The Line" is one heck of a good listen.

"Down The Line" may not show off the fact that Sandy really does have an extensive background in the Blues, but have no doubt, as he has received numerous awards and accolades regarding the Blues, such as being "awarded eight times "Best Canadian Blues Drummer" by Real Blues Magazine (1995-2003), and "Best Canadian Blues Songwriter" (2003)". From 1995 to 2004, Sandy was also part of the Juno Nominated Band "The Twisters, recording 3 Albums with them. In 2003, The Twisters received "The Canadian Independent Music Award for "Best Blues Record of 2003".

2004 saw Sandy retiring his Drum sticks, due to severe acute tendinitis in his left arm, but that did not slow him down at all, as he simply continued honing his skills as a Songwriter, Singer, and Guitarist. It is those 3 skills along with the many talents of his band, The Breakdown, that shine through on his powerful Debut release "Down The Line".

"Down The Line" consists of 10 Tracks of which 8 were written and arranged by Sandy, 1 that was co-written with James "JT Doghouse" Taylor "Pocket Full Of Gold" (Yukon Song) and 1 which James "JT Doghouse" Taylor wrote himself "Life Couldn't Be Much Better". "Down The Line" was produced by SandyBone whom also Mixed and Mastered the album with Tim Hearsey at Stella Studios in Vancouver.

Being based in Vancouver, Sandy had a lot of support from local musicians on this Album, which included Dave "Double D" Dykhuizen (Guitar), Dave Webb (Piano), Darrin Farris (Bass), Steve Knelson (Drums), Steve Hinton (Harmonica), Pat Darcus (Doghouse Bass), Jerry Cook (Tenor Sax), Franny Beazer (Back-Up Vocals), "Shakey" Reah Suter (Harmonica), and Keith "Poppy" Picot (Doghouse Bass). Keith "Poppy" Picot filled the void, for The Twisters, left by James "JT Doghouse" Taylor whom tragically passed away in November 2005, due to a horrific car accident. Keith "Poppy" Picot's only appearance on "Down The Line" was on the song written by James "JT Doghouse" Taylor, "Life Couldn't Be Much Better".

As mentioned earlier, I found "Down The Line" to more Country/Roots/Rockabilly in nature, and although I am more of a Blues and Rock fan, I still found myself thoroughly enjoying this album. "Down The Line" is an album that was perfect to have started listening to as the weather was starting to get a little frosty, like a good book, it took me away from the winter chills.

If I were to describe the music on "Down The Line". I would have to say that parts of the album that leaned toward Country and Roots reminded me of the Grateful Dead, where the Rockabilly side reminded me a little of a more upbeat Chris Isaak.

Picking a few favorites on this treasure, believe it or not, leaned toward the Country/Roots side of the album and included Track 1 "Walkin' On My Own", which featured not only the great Vocals of SandyBone, but also wonderful Guitar work via SandyBone and Dave "Double D" Dykhuizen, and Tracks 8 & 9, SandyBone and James "JT Doghouse" Taylor's co-written song "Pocket Full Of Gold" (Yukon Song) and James "JT Doghouse" Taylor's "Life Couldn't Be Much Better". "Pocket Full Of Gold" (Yukon Song) was a wonderfully told story, with the great accompaniment of "Shakey" Reah Suter on Harmonica. I am sure James "JT Doghouse" Taylor would have been awfully proud of the Bass work on "Life Couldn't Be Much Better", by Keith "Poppy" Picot. In all, 3 really good tracks among many on "Down The Line".  

"Down The Line" is an extraordinary debut album which thoroughly showcased wonderful and rich Lyrics, Musicianship, and Vocals. It was album that instantly made me a fan of SandyBone & The Breakdown, and has certainly got my anticipation going for their next release.

"Down The Line" is Not Necessarily The Blues, but regardless, it is sure one heck of an album, and one I Highly Recommend to all lovers of really good music.

Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)

 

Listen To Samples Here...

Additional Artist Info: http://sandybone.com/

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